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The $130 million Pier 55 park, which was designed by landscape architect Signe Nielsen, will be largely funded by the von Furstenberg-Diller family. Proposed for a site on the Hudson River, the undulating green space includes expansive lawns and pathways, as well as a 700-person amphitheater.

The waterfront park recently hit a snag due to a lawsuit filed by environmental and civic advocates who opposed the project. The groups accused the project’s organizers, namely Hudson River Park Trust, of misusing New York parkland for financial gain since more than half of the events held at the park would require an admission fee.

However, that lawsuit was recently thrown out and it looks like the park now has the official green light to get started. According to Hudson River Park Trust President & CEO Madelyn Wils, the elevated island will be constructed “in a way that would be respectful of the environment.”

Although an appeal to the original lawsuit as well as a new lawsuit have been filed to continue litigation on the matter, construction on the project is slated to start this summer and is expected to be complete in 2018.

Pier55

2 of 7

The Pier 55 park, which was designed by landscape architect Signe Nielsen, will be largely funded by the Von Furstenberg family in order to bring the $130 million elevated park to the Hudson River waterfront.
(Images via Pier55, Inc. and Heatherwick Studio, Renders by Luxigon)

Pier 55

3 of 7

The proposed design for the 2.7 undulating green space includes expansive lawns and pathways, as well as a 700-person amphitheater.
(Images via Pier55, Inc. and Heatherwick Studio, Renders by Luxigon)

Pier 55

4 of 7

The project hit a snag thanks to a lawsuit filed by environmental and civic advocates to block the project.
(Images via Pier55, Inc. and Heatherwick Studio, Renders by Luxigon)

Pier 55

5 of 7

Conservation groups accused the project's organizers, namely Hudson River Park Trust, of misusing New York parkland for financial gain since more than half the events would require an admission fee.
(Images via Pier55, Inc. and Heatherwick Studio, Renders by Luxigon)

Pier 55

6 of 7

According to Hudson River Park Trust President & CEO Madelyn Wils, the project will be constructed “in a way that would be respectful of the environment.”
(Images via Pier55, Inc. and Heatherwick Studio, Renders by Luxigon)

Pier 55

7 of 7

Although an appeal and a new lawsuit have been filed to continue litigation on the matter, construction on the project is slated to start this summer and be completed in 2018.
(Images via Pier55, Inc. and Heatherwick Studio, Renders by Luxigon)